China's MCC assures PNG that nickel project will go ahead

Chinese metals giant, MCC, has assured Papua New Guinea there will be no let-up in the push to bring the Ramu nickel project into full production, despite the world downturn in metal demand and prices.

The paper, the Post Courier, says the assurance was given by MCC president, Shen Heting, who met with Deputy Prime Minister Dr Puka Temu and Bank of PNG Deputy Governor Loi Bakani.

Mr Shen says of six major mineral development investments by MCC world wide, Papua New Guinea's project was receiving top priority and was set to produce its first export product on schedule next year.

When in full production, the project will employ more than 2000 men and women, three quarters of whom will be Papua New Guineans.

Exports of nickel concentrate were predicted to increase PNG's gross domestic product by between 8 and 10 per cent, spreading economic benefits widely across the country.